Ireland face France in a 75,000 sell-out at Croke Park tonight before Wednesday’s second leg in Paris.

If the Irish excelled in reaching the play-offs, a French side which includes Thierry Henry, Nicolas Anelka, Lassana Diarra definitely underachieved in coming second behind Serbia in Group Seven.

But having emerged from their group undefeated and come within two minutes of beating world champions Italy last month, the French hold no fears for the plucky Irish.

Trapattoni said: “We need to show the same spirit, the same attitude and the same passion we showed against Italy. “But to beat France, we need to add something more. Everyone must add something to his own performance.”

Trapattoni named 10 of his team last night but has yet to decide between Liam Lawrence and Aiden McGeady for the final slot – with the Stoke City winger likely to get the nod.

France’s two keepers Hugo Lloris and Steve Mandanda each conceded five goals in a 10-goal thriller between Lyon and Marseille last week.

And Trapattoni added: “I hope one of them concedes five more against us, though I don’t think it will happen.

“We will try to take a lead to Paris but it is important we show no nerves. The players need to keep a cool head.” Skipper Robbie Keane was in the last Ireland side to beat one of the world’s best teams when Jason McAteer’s goal sunk Holland in 2001.

He said: “Everyone involved in that game still talks about it and the atmosphere the fans created.